US Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, chairman of the CIA subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, along with House Intelligence Committee member Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, recently met with Indian officials as New Delhi sought to convey a firm message to Washington regarding Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and related infrastructure, particularly amid the US President's outreach to the Pakistan Army chief.
During their stopover, Fitzpatrick and Houlahan met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Deputy NSA Pavan Kapoor and discussed several issues, including Indian purchases of Russian oil. The Indian officials clarified that these purchases were supported by the US administration as a measure to promote global economic stability.
Despite reports that no commitment had been made by India to cut Russian oil imports, lawmakers were told Indian refiners base buying decisions on market prices in order to ensure global oil price stability.
"The discussions were useful to apprise the US lawmakers of the threat of cross-border infrastructure and threat to India including this year's Pahalgam terror attacks. The visitors were informed that it was the US that had encouraged India to purchase Russian oil after the war to keep global oil prices stable. They were also informed about India's domestic hydrocarbon requirements," said a person on condition of anonymity.
The US delegation also visited Pakistan, although they made a diversion through Nepal to satisfy Indian sensibilities. Lawmakers dealing with intelligence affairs visiting is a key event, particularly in the light of President Donald Trump's assertions of facilitating an Indo-Pak ceasefire and the administration's comments denouncing India-Russia relations and Indian Russian oil imports.
In a statement after his visit, Fitzpatrick said, "...What gave this mission its deepest meaning, was my visit to the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. It reminded me that our work abroad is never separate from the values we stand for at home. Pennsylvania's First District is the only district in the nation with three BAPS temples, our community shares a special bond with this global institution, and I was humbled to witness its extraordinary service and spiritual leadership firsthand."
